Air-Frying Siomai: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Siomai, a type of Chinese dumpling, is traditionally steamed, but can you cook it in an air fryer? The answer is yes! You can cook siomai straight from frozen in your air fryer, and it's a healthier alternative to deep-frying. To get that crispy texture, brush the siomai with oil before placing them in the air fryer basket.

Siomai air fryer cooking times and temperatures

Siomai, or dumplings, can be cooked in an air fryer. While they are usually steamed, they can be cooked in an air fryer to create a crispy texture.

To cook siomai in an air fryer, you should first brush the siomai with oil. Then, place them in the air fryer basket straight from the freezer. The cooking time will depend on the desired texture and the model of the air fryer. For crispy siomai, cook for 10 minutes at 180°C. For a golden brown and crispier texture, add another 5 minutes to the cooking time.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of the air fryer. As a guide, you can use the same cooking time and temperature as for frozen French fries.

Once the timer goes off, remove the siomai from the air fryer and transfer them to a plate. Serve the siomai while they are still hot.

How to prepare siomai for air frying

Siomai, a type of dumpling, is usually steamed rather than fried. However, you can use an air fryer to cook siomai from frozen. To get the wrapper crispy, you will need to brush the siomai with oil before placing them in the air fryer basket.

To prepare the siomai for air frying, first, combine ground pork or beef, onion, spring onions, carrots, singkamas, Knorr Pork Cubes or Knorr Beef Cubes, sesame oil, an egg, and pepper in a bowl. Mix these ingredients well. Then, place a wonton wrapper on your index finger and thumb, holding them together. Put a spoonful of the mixture in the center of the wrapper and push the filling down to create a pouch, leaving the top open. Repeat this process until you have used all the mixture.

Next, cook the siomai in a steamer lined with wax paper, bake paper, or aluminum foil for 20-30 minutes or until cooked through. Once they are cooked, brush the siomai with oil and place them in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 180C and cook for 10-15 minutes.

Finally, when the timer goes off, remove the basket from the air fryer and transfer the siomai to a plate. Serve while hot and enjoy!

Oil requirements for air-fried siomai

Siomai, a type of dumpling, is traditionally steamed rather than fried. However, you can cook frozen siomai in an air fryer, and doing so will give it a crispy texture.

To achieve this crispy texture, you will need to add oil to the siomai before placing it in the air fryer. You can brush the siomai with oil and then cook it in the air fryer for 10–15 minutes at 180°C. Sesame oil is a good option, as it will add flavour to the dish.

The amount of oil you will need to brush the siomai depends on how many dumplings you are cooking. A thin layer of oil is sufficient to achieve the desired crispy texture, so a little oil will go a long way. You can always add more oil after the first brush if you think the siomai needs more.

If you are making the siomai from scratch, you can also add oil to the mixture. This will ensure that the dumplings are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Air-fried siomai as a dumpling alternative

Siomai, a type of Chinese dumpling, is typically steamed rather than fried. However, you can use an air fryer to "fry" your siomai, offering a convenient alternative to steaming. This method can be used for frozen siomai, which can be placed straight from the freezer into the air fryer basket.

To cook siomai in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 180°C for 5 minutes. You can brush the siomai with oil to make the wrapper crispy, then cook for 10-15 minutes at 180°C. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, but it should take around 10 minutes for the siomai to turn crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. You can also cook frozen dim sims in the air fryer, preheating to 200°C and cooking for 12 minutes, shaking the basket often.

For a Pork Chao Fan recipe, you can add cooked siomai as a topping, serving it with soy sauce and chilli. You can also make your own siomai by combining ground pork or beef with onion, spring onions, carrots, singkamas, sesame oil, egg, pepper, and seasoning, and wrapping the mixture in wonton wrappers. After steaming, you can then air-fry your homemade siomai.

Serving suggestions for air-fried siomai

Siomai, or Chinese dumplings, can be cooked in an air fryer and served as a delicious and healthy meal for your family or guests. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your air-fried siomai:

Dipping Sauces

Offer a variety of dipping sauces to add extra flavour to the siomai. Some popular options include soy sauce, chilli oil, or a spicy Sichuan pepper sauce. You could also provide a simple mixture of vinegar and garlic, or a sweet and sour sauce.

Steamed Vegetables

As siomai is typically served steamed, you can complement the dish with some steamed vegetables. Try bok choy, broccoli, or carrots, lightly steamed and seasoned with a dash of sesame oil and soy sauce.

Pickles and Fermented Vegetables

The crisp, tangy flavour of pickles can provide a refreshing contrast to the juicy siomai. Serve some pickled cucumbers, radishes, or carrots, or offer a small portion of fermented vegetables like kimchi or sauerkraut.

Soup

For a heartier meal, serve the siomai with a bowl of soup. A simple broth, miso soup, or a spicy tom yum soup can add depth to the dish.

Noodle or Rice Dish

Turn your siomai into a more substantial meal by pairing it with a noodle or rice dish. Try serving it with fried rice, chow mein, or a simple vegetable noodle stir-fry.

Garnishes

Finally, don't forget to garnish your siomai! Some chopped spring onions, coriander, or sesame seeds sprinkled on top will add a fresh flavour and a pop of colour to your dish.

Remember to serve the siomai hot, straight from the air fryer, to enjoy the crispy texture and delicious flavours.

Frequently asked questions